Chapter 173 - 173. The Elven Palace Infiltration and the Enemy Commander, Fam
"My name is Famium Okita. What’s yours?"
"My name is Marianne Wanland."
Marianne spoke and then dropped to a knee, cutting her sword free. Just like last night. She gripped the scabbard, her thumb gently pressing against the blade, easing it out. Seeing this, Fam lightly touched the hilt of her own sword with her right hand, sinking into the same stance. It seemed she intended to counter a master swordsman with another. But could she even use Iai?
"If I win, you're fired. Leave Mash and return to Okita Village."
That was what Marianne said.
"Hold on, I don’t know what you’re trying to pull, but if Fam leaves, I’ll follow her. If you hurt her, you’re next."
Fam was holding my sword. And Marianne was a formidable swordsman. In other words, she had no chance of winning. Trying to dictate terms to her under those circumstances would be pointless.
"Master, I won’t lose. I’ll accept any terms."
"Fam, you can’t win with that sword."
"Why not? I’ll show you I can win!"
She was questioning my assessment, so she unsheathed the sword, drawing it from its scabbard. The broken blade stared back at her as she stood dumbfounded.
"Ah—"
Fam stared blankly at the snapped-off blade. I’d briefly hoped that leaving the broken sword in the scabbard overnight would magically repair it, but that was just a futile fantasy. The moment her surprise faded, the tip of Marianne’s sword pressed against her neck.
"That’s it. I win. Fam, as the leader of the dog-eared race, you must comply."
"The leader of the dog-eared race?"
I asked Marianne.
"...That's right. She is the current leader of one of Migul's four ruling families—the Wanland family—Marianne Wanland."
"Strictly speaking, acting leader," Marmie added.
"You knew? Why didn’t you tell me!"
Now that I thought about it, Marmie and Patricia’s odd behavior made sense. I accused them both.
"...Because she shoots me dagger-laced stares whenever I think about mentioning it."
"Are your family ranks unequal?"
"...She is the current head, but I am the daughter of the Starunion family, not yet promised as heir."
"Come to think of it, there’s something important I forgot to ask. Are you planning to inherit House Starunion?"
"...I am. But don’t see it from Mash’s perspective. My parents live for hundreds of years, and so will I. There is also a strong possibility another child will be born."
"..."
"...Even if I inherit the house, that's a story for after Mash's death. Neither Fam, Patricia, nor Wake will be here."
Marmie murmured softly. She has a thousand years to live and is only twelve. Deciding her future now felt premature. What were her parents thinking?
"...Mash, I don’t want to say this myself, but I am considered a slow-developing and unskilled child among elves. That's why both my parents and the surrounding elves are impatient."
"Hey, you look normal to me. Even if that’s true, you are still you, aren't you? I’ve already changed since meeting you. So have you. Only two months have passed, but our relationship now is different from the one we had when we first met."
I tried slightly to deflect her accusation.
"Is that so? But, aren't there core parts that stay the same? I am me, and you are you. You were still Mash even when you were with Mizuki or Cecily. Some things never change, right? I’ve been in love with you ever since. I totally love you. I don’t want to give you to anyone. Those feelings only appeared two months ago, but I want them to last forever. I can't imagine caring about anyone else."
"Fam, I love you too. I’ll love you no matter what happens. But that’s because I’ll always keep loving you."
"...I don't understand. But I don't think it's about logic. The feelings I hold for you aren't born of reason. Many emotions and thoughts tell me that I love you. It's the same for you, isn't it? Emotions come first, and then logic follows."
Fam responded. At that moment, Maira and Mizuki approached, each holding a staff. Then, Fam was smacked on the back of the head by Maira, and I was smacked by Mizuki.
"Enough of this love-tickling stuff when there's work to be done! Fam, what will you do with Moe? Give us a final answer."
Mizuki said.
"I am okay with accepting Moe as a comrade. But I'm against you doing etchy things with her. But if I say that, Moe will be left out…"
"And?"
Hearing Mizuki, Fam looked at Marmie. Marmie was facing Fam but kept her eyes lowered, her small fists clenched around the hem of her dress, trembling slightly.
"I cannot find happiness for her. But she believes she can become happy if she is with you, Master. I will follow Master's thinking."
"...I knew Fam would be angry. But I’m sorry. I want to see what Fam is seeing."
Marmie said. Her fists remained clenched around the dress. Hearing their words, Mizuki looked around at the state of the room. Patricia was doing her best, but it was a losing battle. Mizuki sighed.
"I get it. So, we are continuing this fight?"
Fam and Marmie nodded.
"Alright, then let’s go take down Moe’s parents!"
"Don't get carried away. You know how Fam and I feel, right? Think about it, seriously?"
"Please add me to the count."
At my declaration, Mizuki interjected, and then Maira followed.
Thank you for reading. The 'like,' bookmark, and rating buttons encourage me. Thank you for any typo corrections, I truly appreciate it.